The regime’s mirror

Self-crowned

It was recently coronation day for the country’s monarch, with events that were meant to promote royalism and the king. But it also featured its now quite odd royal family.

As the linked “report” had it, the king and queen, “marked the 2019 Royal Coronation Ceremony, accompanied by … Princess Sirivannavari…”.

Meanwhile, two of the king’s sisters, Sirindhorn and Chulabhorn “waited at Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall to welcome the King.”

This report was of one event, and other, lesser members of the extended but still small and always troubled royal family may have made appearances elsewhere, Even so, this report was revealing in its

An earlier photos of several members of the royal family. From: Love to Know

But there was a kind of weird backstory. Chulabhorn, usually seen in a wheelchair, was photographed erect, but the missing were also noticeable. Where was Ubolratana, the king’s eldest and quirkiest sister? More-or-less dead and never mentioned is Princess Bajrakitiyabha is a notable omission as the royal family’s undead. Why is she still being hooked up to a machine?

Then there’s Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi or Goy, the king’s official consort who disappeared a couple of years ago. Where was Prince Dipangkorn, the only male currently in line for the throne. His current competitor for the throne, calling himself a prince, but still officially not, is Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse. He’s stalking around the country looking like a celebrated royal.

This quite odd family has some resonances with a new mini-series, The Regime, about a year within the palace of a crumbling authoritarian regime. Sure, it is about something other than a bunch of grasping, gasping royals, but for anyone who follows Thailand’s political travails there are many moments where a viewer recognizes Thailand’s royal family.

Updated: The succession blues

A little more than a month ago, The Economist published a brief observation on King Charles and his cancer. With another royal now being treated for cancer, other royals estranged, and another effectively banned for bad behavior, the British royal family is looking rather thin. Here’s the opinion piece:

Britain has always been interested in its kings’ bodies. Each age has had its own particular obsession. For Shakespeare, it was the king’s head—the mortal brow beneath the hollow crown—that fascinated. After the Restoration it was the king’s hand—Charles II was believed to be able to heal diseases by touch alone. Now national attention has turned to the state of Charles III’s health.

According to a statement from Buckingham Palace on February 5th, “a separate issue of concern was noted” while the king was being treated for an enlarged prostate. Subsequent tests “identified a form of cancer”. Quite which form has not been announced; a little royal distance remains. But when future historians come to chronicle the change from a “magical” monarchy, able to heal by touch alone, to the more humdrum mortal kind, this moment may feature: few things seem more mortal or less magical than a prostate.

In the past monarchies have been less willing to admit to frailty, as have their physicians. When George VI had his entire left lung removed in 1951 because of lung cancer, the public (and indeed the king himself) were told that this was due to “structural abnormalities”. When his grandfather, the high-living Edward VII, collapsed in Biarritz, it was at once entirely unsurprising—Edward smoked, drank and ate so abundantly that he couldn’t do up the bottom buttons on his waistcoat—and, at first, entirely unspoken about. An attempt to treat the king was made, including through the application of his favourite mistress. But even she failed to revive him.

The monarch’s mortality feels all the more salient when they come to the throne late. Elizabeth II ascended to the throne at the age of 25; when the congregation at her coronation sang “Long to reign over us” they could feel confident that she, with the pinchably plump flesh of youth, would do just that. At his coronation last year Charles—the longest-serving heir-apparent—was already 74.

A monarch is not a country incarnate, but they are not far off. If Elizabeth II—dutiful, stable and influential—embodied one era, it feels uncomfortably as though Charles III—also dutiful, but ageing and now battling ill health—might represent another. Then again, as Shakespeare makes clear, a king is also just a man. The crown might be bejewelled; the royal crest might sit on the press releases. But the king beneath is mortal, and increasingly open about it.

Where this is relevant for Thailand is in the thinness of the current royal family. The king’s favored consort was disappeared ages ago, Princess Bajrakitiyabha effectively ceased to exist months and months ago, the king’s sisters are strange in various ways, the king himself looks far less fit than he was even a couple of years ago, displaying the chubbiness that was his pre-military shape. His only acknowledged daughter still seen is scorned by many. Scorn doesn’t mean Princess Sirivannavari is ruled out as a possible queen, and she continues her PR campaigns.

In terms of succession, the only boys from the king are Prince Dipangkorn, widely seen as suffering some kind of intellectual incapacity. That said, intelligence has never trumped blood in royal matters. But the effort to rehabilitate at least one of the boys-now-men who were “de-royalled” a couple of decades ago looks like a desperate effort to overcome the succession blues.

Clipped from the Bangkok Post

Although he refused to acknowledge them, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse is married in the USA and with a couple of daughters, but seems to be willing to ditch them and return to Thailand in the hope of grabbing the crown.The Bangkok Post, which is usually a reliable palace outlet, has been reporting on Vacharaesorn’s latest visit, the longest so far, and scored a visit from the would-be prince-cum-king.

The Post’s picture, clipped her, shows Vacharaesorn, now sporting the appropriate lapel pins that somehow denote “loyalty.” Pins like this are also seen adorning the lapels and shirts of ministers, including gangsters and convicted drug traffickers.

In his interview, Vacharaesorn babbled on about his “connection” with Thailand (after being forced into exile almost three decades ago):

I am very happy that I now have an ID card and have officially become a Thai citizen. I felt like something was missing during the last 20 years… I am recognised as Mr Vacharaesorn on my ID card. I am proud of myself. I have made a life for myself through my own efforts, my patience and my own learning. This way, I gained more experience and strength…

He made his ambitions clear by stating:

Asked if he had any particular purpose for his return to Thailand, Mr Vacharaesorn said: “I only wanted to return to my homeland. This is the feeling of a person who left over 27 years ago…”.

“I came here privately. No one told me to come. I am not representing anyone. I don’t want to compete for anything … I have no resources, no power. I don’t have aspirations beyond providing value in my own capacity,” he said.

By saying that, everyone knows what he really means.

He went on to say that he now “intends to move from the US, where he is currently living, to Thailand and get permanent residency here — though several factors, including his career, must be taken into account.”

The ever supine Post feels the need to add:

His return after a nearly three-decade absence from Thailand might inevitably raise some suspicions about his motives, but he confirmed his intention was simply to see his homeland once more, witness the country’s changes and travel throughout the kingdom with no particular agenda.

No one believes denials that are affirmations.

None of this would be happening without palace involvement.

He gets ambiguous when referring to “family.” Who does he mean?: dad? little sister? the wife and kids in the US?:

“Everyone should help family members, the people around us, and contribute to society. I cannot say that I will be able to make big contributions or change society. But at the very least, I can do good things for myself, for my neighbours and for my family.”

If the public were as gullible as some think it is, and believe that Vacharaesorn was not told me to come, that he represents no one, and that he’s not competing for anything, then he’d look rather like a usurper backed by someone or some group competing for the current king’s power. We think that most unlikely.

Update: Pravit Rojanaphruk at Khaosod also covers the Vacharaesorn “mystery,” firing well deserved shots at the supine media and even at the opaque palace.

Posterior polishing continues

The royal family seems a bit short on posteriors to be buffed. Hence, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse’s manic efforts at what looks like self promotion, but with the palace – presumably the king – backing him him in.

We can’t help wondering is his sister isn’t involved. Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana is a proper royal and he isn’t. Not yet, anyway. With blood being so significant, it is reasonable to think that she might prefer a tubby full brother than a challenged half brother, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti.

Of course, her brother’s current promotion and management as likely successor to the king goes together with her own shameless self-promotion. After years of being portrayed as excellent at everything, the buffing of Sirivannavari’s backside continues unabated and unabashed. Whatever takes her fancy gets media attention and the claims she’s the best thing since rice was first boiled are never-ending.

A recent effort was not about her sporting prowess – horse riding, badminton – or her scholarly brilliance, bit focused on her long-term dalliance with fashion and design. The Bangkok Post, which regularly “reports” this kind of royal PR buffalo manure, has yet another story on the royal’s “patterns.”

According to the “report,” the Puea Thai-led coalition government is throwing more taxpayer money into “promoting royal fabric patterns designed by … Sirivannavari … under a project aimed at preserving traditional handicrafts, improving local people’s living conditions and boosting sustainability in villages.” Yes, seriously.

With nothing better to do with his time than to belly slide before royals, “Suttipong Juljarern, permanent secretary for the Interior Ministry, recently presided over a ceremony to present the princess’ royal fabric patterns to all 76 provincial governors at a hotel in Bangkok.” Yep, all 76. And they are required to also give time and money to another royal PR scheme.

Of course, some of these “designs” are dedicated to her dad’s birthday. According to the polishers, the princess has studied “local fabric patterns from all regions of the country.” Villagers have no copyright, and even if they did, they’d have to hand over their intellectual and cultural property to the acquisitive royal.

But never fear, the “royal patterns will be passed on to local weavers and fabrics makers so they can blend them with local patterns and traditional wisdom in making hand-woven fabrics to innovate new designs.”

Unremarkable too, the royal designs “will be certified by the ‘Sustainable Fashion’ logo…”. Where did the logo come from? Of course, it was “bestowed and designed by the princess.” That squares the circle!

And, with but a bat of eyelid, she’s her grandmother’s progeny, apparently inheriting the genes that the now queen mother who had herself recognized as a promoter of local products, “helping weavers earn better wages and improve their living conditions…”. Wages? Yep, converting cultural capital into a means of capitalist exploitation.

Suttipong reckons the princess is talented, creative, trendy,  and more. He promises that the “Community Development Department (CDD) under the Interior Ministry and provincial governors nationwide are working together to promote Thai fabrics through the ‘Pha Thai Sai Hai Sanuk’ (Thai Fabrics Are Fun to Wear) project initiated by the princess.”

He reckons the “project is aimed at improving the livelihoods of local weavers and textile makers…”. We reckon the project is aimed to promote royals and royalism.

That succession problem

With Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse back in Thailand for the third time in just a few months, it seems an appropriate moment to consider a recent article at the Daily Beast on Vacharaesorn desire to be king and, presumably, the palace’s desire to promote him over Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, the only designated prince among King Vajiralongkorn’s progeny.

Vacharaesorn, like his brothers, had their royal status annulled when they were, along with their mother and the king’s lover-cum-wife, were expelled from the country and refused entry until last year when Vacharaesorn and one of his brothers showed up.

With three visits over a short  period, it seems pretty clear that the king tested the political waters and now seems set on rehabilitating Vacharaesorn as a potential heir. The Daily Beast raises the issue that Thai law prevents anyone married to a foreigner – as he is – taking the throne. PPT does not believe this is a problem as the king has the constitutional power to change any law related to the palace. What is really at issue in the story is Vacharaesorn’s fibbing and concealment, suggesting that, like his father, he has character flaws.

As is usual for the opaque palace, no statement has been made as to why Prince Dipangkorn is unsuitable, and none of the cowed press dare speculate. The general rumor mill is that the prince is “intellectually challenged.”

Not that long ago, his elder sister Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, was considered a likely queen to follow her father. However, she is more-or-less dead. But the palace, for some unknown reason, keeps her on a machine.

As has been the case for years, this is a very strange palace. But as a very rich palace, there’s much to protect.

Still the succession blues

Bajrakitiyabha

Back in January 2023, we posted about a talk by Chulalongkorn University’s Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang, reported in Singapore’s Mothership where he (bravely) stated that “[o]ne of the biggest concerns for the country would be the matter of succession. Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest daughter of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, was hospitalised [PPT: she’s dead] and eventually put on life support after she collapsed while training her pet dog on Dec. 14 last year.”

More than a year later, we know nothing more about why the palace has gone silent. As bizarre as this is, the palace has not been inactive on succession. It seems pretty obvious that there’s an effort to rehabilitate Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, born of Vajiralongkorn and his then wife, Yuvadhida Polpraserth, Vacharaesorn and his three brothers and one sister had royal status. That was revoked when then Crown Price Vajiralongkorn reckoned Nang Yu was unfaithful. He had the whole family expelled from the country, and they eventually got political asylum in the US.

One report provides the context for the current discussion of succession:

Born in 1981 and a lawyer by profession, Vacharaesorn is the result of a romantic relationship between Vajiralongkorn and actress Sujarinee Vivacharawongse [Nang Yu], with whom he had four sons and a daughter while he had not yet divorced his cousin Soamsawali (his first wife between 1977-1991 and mother of his first daughter.)

Prince, and some of his kids in earlier times

Following his first divorce, Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne in 2016 following the death of his father, married Sujarinee in 1994, although their marriage only lasted until 1996.

After the abrupt breakup, she and her four male children moved to live in the US, while Princess Sirivannavari (sixth daughter of the monarch) grew up with her father and is the only one of the five siblings who participated in the wedding ceremonies and coronation of the current king and is a visible part of the royal family.

Vacharaesorn and his male brothers have grown up away from the royal family in the US and do not appear in the photographs published on the Royal Family’s website.

Vacharaesorn’s two 2023 visits to Thailand – he had not visited after being ditched by Vajiralongkorn – were choreographed in true palace style, suggesting that he may be seen as potentially a successor to Vajiralongkorn. His Facebook page and his frenetic activism suggests Vacharaesorn is keen for the job. Questions remain about his official position (he has none), his wife and children in the USA (he doesn’t mention them, but there seems to be online evidence of the marriage), his businesses and “fundraising,” and his allies in Thailand. Like so much else about the palace, there’s secrecy about him.

Clipped from Royal World Thailand

Another unanswered question is the fate of Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti. Is he not in line for the throne? Will he want an estranged half-brother grabbing the crown that might be his? Rumors abound about his mental health, but as he enters his 19th year, he has also been back in Thailand from Germany – is he still in school? – looking royal.

So what’s happening and why so much palace secrecy?

A king in waiting?

He’s back.

Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, expelled from Thailand as a youngster, disowned, and stripped of his titles by their angry father almost three decades ago, returned to Thailand in August this year.

That visit seemed like the palace testing the political waters as it struggles to work out a succession path, with Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti often seen as unlikely – yet he has been doing more royal work – and an undead daughter.

The Nation reports: “His Majesty’s second eldest son Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse returned to Thailand on Sunday for his second visit this year to attend the nation’s Father’s Day celebrations.”

That sounds more palace-like reporting than on the previous visit when media were confused about what they could report until it became clear that Vacharaesorn was on a visit that the palace was behind.

This man who seems to want to be king is said to have posted:

Travelling to Bangkok on an Air France flight, Vacharaesorn, aged 42, posted a photo on his Facebook wall of the view from the plane window. The accompanying caption reads: “As far as the eye can see. The blue skyline. The land of Siam.”

Not Thailand?

This time he is “expected to stay in the kingdom for two weeks during which he will participate in Father’s Day events, engage in charitable activities, and deliver a special lecture to the public… He also reportedly plans to travel to other provinces.”

This kind of reporting and the careful “forgetting” of the past makes this visit appear openly and officially sanctioned. His exile is rendered as “living abroad for 27 years…”. And he’s being “royalified” all over again by the subservient media.

Succession blues

A recent post at the Royal World Thailand Facebook page is worth consideration. We reproduce in full:

It has been on trend about the surprising return of the royal ‘estranged’ sons. Although ex-Princes Vacharaesorn and Chakriwat Vivacharawongse of Thailand are now back in the United States after making their one-week return to their home country, their return brought a new royal phenomenon, with notorious mystery and discussions about whether any hints were raised for the future of the Monarchy, particularly the unclear succession to the throne.

This topic of succession is regarded by many, especially among the royalists as ‘inappropriate and unprofitable’ to talk about the King’s personal matter. It has still been raised to online debates among royalists themselves and even anti-monarchist movements for the future of the Monarchy, and the nation.

After Vivacharawongse return, debuted by Vacharaesorn (a.k.a. Aon), a question was brought up about whether the possibility of the heir to the throne having would be different from what is currently expected. At the moment, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti is the only son who is officially recognised with royal titles.

In earlier days, Prince Dipangkorn with his half sisters

Thai Succession is not similar to other Monarchies having the number of heirs sorted in a list. The King has full rights to designate his sole male heir, who is traditionally the King’s eldest son. If the eldest son dies, the new male royal member shall be considered to be a new heir, who is mostly the second son or those who are closer to the bloodline.

As the King has not yet created any one as an heir, the great possibility is to be his youngest and only ‘official’ son Prince Dipangkorn, who is the only one having the title among the King’s 5 sons. The 18-year-old Prince may have to wait until his age of majority in the next two years. Until that time, we may need to wait and see if he will finally be created as an heir. It was traditionally accorded to his father when he also became Crown Prince at the age of 20.

However, this ‘estranged’ return undeniably caused changing points of view on succession among Thais. It is also undeniable that the Monarchy has lost much energy and efficacy, as there are now only a few active members of the Royal Family.

Since the King’s eldest daughter Princess Bajrakitiyabha collapsed and has been long-term hospitalised, the Royal Family is now facing instability, as she is greatly viewed as one of the most active royal members. She was also viewed by many as the first possible heiress to the throne, despite being contradictory to the Palace Law of Succession. It is stated on Article 13, which prohibits female members from succeeding the throne.

On the other hand, constitutions in the modern era were modified in different versions over many years, e.g., 1974, 1978, and even the latest year 2017. In the article of succession to the throne, it is stated that any Princess could be introduced for approval by the national assembly. But this case shall be practised “only” if the throne is vacant and if the deceased Monarch does not designate an heir.

Vacharaesorn, despite being the second son, is thus regarded as having the great possibility of being the King’s future successor due to the great potentiality he performs in various social and royal-related functions overseas until his unprecedented debut back in his home country. He received much positive feedback from the public for his down-to-earth and easygoing personality as he wished for.

The King’s eldest son, Juthavachara lost his right of succession due to his marriage to an American, as specified in the Palace Law that prohibits Princes from marrying foreigners. If there is any change in succession law in this ‘instable’ reign, is there any possibility that Vacharaesorn will open the pathway to his elder brother for succeeding the throne? The answer is agreed upon as ‘No.’ Thais do not know Juthavahara and his performance very well, as he never appears in public events like his younger brother.

Vacharaesorn is thus a representative of the ‘estranged heirs’ as another royal candidate to the Game of Thrones. Many Thai royalists turn out to support him, hoping to see all four Princes return and receive the second chance from their father for a ‘reunion.’

In the meantime, a lot of royalists are sceptical of the ex-Princes’ return due to political tensions following their beliefs of national security destruction supported by foreign authorities. The ex-Prince was hence believed to be a part of foreign powers to ruin the royal institution. (Read the article “By the King’s blood… it is due to be undone?” http://bitly.ws/RWu4)

Thais still keep an eye on the future of the Monarchy. People cannot choose anyone to be their heir or Head of State, but they still have the right to discuss and exchange views to each other. It can be determined whether they will fully welcome the future King in the modern era. Perhaps in the next two years, Thais shall wait and see who the future Rama XI would be. Thais shall see if “The Game” is changed to be the more glorious or derogatory fate of the Thai Monarchy.

Updated: Another banished “prince” returns

Khaosod English Facebook page has recently reported a second eye-opening return:

BREAKING: Chakriwat Vicacharawongse The third son of HM the King, has arrived in Thailand after 27 years to join his elder brother, Vacharaesorn Vicacharawongse, on a visit to Thailand. The two on Sunday paid a visit to Siriraj Hospital to pay respect to the statue of both their late great grandfather, Prince Mahidol, and late grandfather, King Rama IX, according to journalist Vadsana Nanuam who released the photos.
Chakriwat (left in photos), 40, is a trained physician and based in the US.k

At Khaosod’s Pravit Rojanaphruk he adds:

The motto of the third “estranged” son of Rama X, who has just arrived in Thailand after 27 years, has been removed from his FB. Probably he’s willing to use Thai taxpayers” money now and be judged by his DNA?

Like others, this seems like Vajiralongkorn seeking to sort out his succession problem now that Princess Bajrakitiyabha is gone (still no news since January about her”illness”). Given that Prince Dipangkorn is also in town, there must be some interesting palace conversations. The two “princes” are visiting while their sister, Princess Sirivannavari, is also in Bangkok.

Update: Royal World Thailandd FB page adds:

Chakriwat previously posted on Facebook on his possibility to return to Thailand like his brother. The Ex-Prince wrote in another post on Facebook confirming that the return must be only made by ‘order’, which has never been sent while residing overseas all along. His own return is being discussed and questioned whether he has now received “the order”

Updates on Articles 110 and 112 cases

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights have posted two important accounts of recent cases brought under Articles 110 and 112.

The first is about the Article 110 cases against five activists. In it, TLHR summarizes the witness testimony, compiled before the acquittal.

This case was considered important as Article 110 hadn’t been used for years and the penalty could have been long imprisonment or even the death penalty “for allegedly violating the Queen’s liberty and her well-being.” Prince Dipangkorn was also in the car that unaccountably drove to a protest site.

The court hear of the “irregularity” of this royal procession:

The assembly of the people’s groups was announced almost a month in advance, and yet, on the day of the incident there is a procession to perform Royal religious ceremonies to many members of the royal family, including King Rama 10 and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Based on the testimony of the police, many royal processions have changed their routes in the past, so it is not clear why the Queen’s procession continued to take the route that passed through the protesters in front of the Government House. Additionally, information during the witness examination revealed that the director and deputy director of the Dusit Police Station reported via radio that Phitsanulok Road could not be used as a royal route. The preparation for taking care of the royal procession by officials at the scene was also unusual

The second is about Thanalop (Yok) Phalanchai’s efforts to get an education while facing a heinous lese majeste charge against a child.

In summary:

Clipped from Prachatai

Following her expulsion, Yok continued to attend school, climbing over the fence in order to attend classes on June 14, 15, and 16. The following week, she continued to appear at school. Each time Yok fought her way into the school, she insisted it was her right to receive an education and repudiated the school’s claims that her application was incomplete.

Under both international law and the Thai Constitution, Yok is correct in maintaining that she has a right to attend school.

 

Succession and elections

Singapore’s Mothership reports on a talk by Chulalongkorn University’s Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang who (bravely) asserted:

One of the biggest concerns for the country would be the matter of succession. Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest daughter of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, was hospitalised [PPT: she’s dead] and eventually put on life support after she collapsed while training her pet dog on Dec. 14 last year.”

He explained:

While the Thai palace has never declared Bajrakitiyabha as the successor to the throne, she has been widely assumed to be next in line for succession.

“She studied law, she’s intelligible, approachable, and well-loved by many of the elite community,” Khemtong said, while “Prince Dipangkorn, the only male heir of [King] Vajiralongkorn, is said to be mentally challenged,” though Khemtong also stressed that as a “Thai person, [he] can neither confirm [nor] repudiate that accusation.”

We think that’s reasonably accurate, although Dipangkorn’s brief recent visit to Thailand suggested that there may have been some quick rethinking. In any case, dopey princes have previously become kings. It’s blood that matters.

His point is about the election:

“Now the king is in some kind of crisis. So the question is whether this crisis [will cast a] political shadow. Will we still have the election in May 2023?” Khemthong asked.

According to Khemthong, Thailand’s 2023 election is supposedly the biggest event of the year. It was expected to occur in May, but many believe the election might happen much earlier.

On the election:

Khemthong sounded pessimistic about the election, as he said, “The election will not be a transition. Actually, the election will help normalise this very unfree and unfair political arrangement of Thai politics.”

On linking palace and election:

But big questions remain. Given the Thai princess’s condition, how will the palace crisis affect this year’s election?

“The main question is that in times of crisis, will the palace resort to some extra-constitutional convention?” Khemthong asked. “At the very least, if there’s a state funeral, will it delay [the] election and for how long? And that’s the question that we don’t know the answer yet.”